---
title: "Trade Schools in Memphis, TN: Programs, Pay, and How to Pay for It | CareerDirecting"
description: "Trade school options in Memphis, Tennessee: local pay by trade, Southwest Tennessee Community College and union programs, Tennessee aid like the Reconnect Grant, and how to apply. Free to compare."
url: https://careerdirecting.com/trade-schools/tennessee/memphis/
updated: 2026-10-08
site: CareerDirecting
---

Memphis, Tennessee

# Trade schools in Memphis Programs near you, what they pay here, and what Tennessee will help cover.

Free · No college required

Memphis is one of America's biggest logistics hubs — FedEx's global hub is here, and the city sits at the crossroads of I-40, I-55, and the Mississippi River. That means major demand for CDL drivers, diesel mechanics, and warehouse workers. Healthcare is also huge, and construction is steady. Southwest Tennessee Community College runs affordable programs, and Tennessee has some of the most generous state aid in the South for adults going back to school. Tell us what you want to do and we'll show you the schools that fit.

- Serving Memphis, Jackson TN, and the Mid-South region.
- Tennessee Reconnect Grant can cover last-dollar tuition at community college for adults.
- FedEx hub creates constant demand for CDL and diesel mechanic training.

In short

Memphis residents can train for the trades at Southwest Tennessee Community College, through union apprenticeships for electricians (IBEW Local 474) and plumbers (Local 17), or at private trade schools for fast programs like CDL, welding, and medical assisting. Tennessee offers the Reconnect Grant (covers remaining tuition for adults at community college) and TN Promise (for high school grads). Most programs take 4 weeks to 2 years. [Fill out the form](#mem-form) to hear from schools near you.

Metro**Memphis, TN, about 1.3 million people**

Hiring here**CDL drivers, diesel mechanics, electricians, HVAC techs, medical assistants**

Money help**TN Reconnect Grant · TN Promise · Pell · GI Bill · WIOA**

Big employer**FedEx global hub — huge logistics and transportation sectorChecked against Tennessee Higher Education Commission and BLS data** Last updated October 8, 2026. Programs and aid rules change. Confirm with the school.

 **On this page**

1. [Jobs hiring in Memphis](#mem-jobs)
2. [Where to train](#mem-where)
3. [What Tennessee will help pay](#mem-pay)
4. [FedEx and logistics](#mem-fedex)
5. [Questions from Memphis](#mem-faq)

## Jobs hiring in Memphis

Memphis's economy is driven by logistics, healthcare, and manufacturing. Here's what the common trades pay in the Memphis area and how long it takes to get in:

| Job | Training time | Typical pay in Memphis | How you get in |
|---|---|---|---|
| **Electrician** | 9–12 months of school, or 4–5 year paid apprenticeship | About $48,000–$58,000 | IBEW Local 474 apprenticeship, or trade school then a job |
| **HVAC technician** | 6–12 months | About $44,000–$52,000 | Trade school or Southwest TN, then EPA 608 card |
| **Welder** | 7–9 months | About $42,000–$50,000 | Trade school or Southwest TN; certifications from the school |
| **Plumber** | 1 year school, or 5-year paid apprenticeship | About $48,000–$58,000 | Plumbers Local 17 apprenticeship, or trade school |
| **CDL truck driver** | 3–7 weeks | About $44,000–$52,000 | CDL school; FedEx and other carriers hire constantly from local programs |
| **Diesel mechanic** | 1–2 years | About $48,000–$58,000 | Trade school or Southwest TN; FedEx and trucking companies hire from programs |
| **Medical assistant** | 9–12 months | About $34,000–$40,000 | Trade school or Southwest TN; major hospital systems hire constantly |

Pay is a typical range for experienced workers in the Memphis metro, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics area data (May 2024), rounded. Starting pay is lower. Union apprentices start around half of journeyman pay and get raises every six months to a year.

### Ready for the list for Memphis?

Pick a trade on the form and only schools that teach it near you will reach out.

 [Find schools near me](#mem-form)

## Where to train

 Option 1

### Southwest Tennessee Community College

Southwest is Memphis's public community college, with affordable programs in HVAC, welding, electrical technology, CDL, and nursing. It's the main option for Tennessee Reconnect Grant recipients. Multiple campuses across Memphis. Cheaper than private schools and state aid works here.

Lowest costMultiple campusesTN Reconnect works here

 Option 2

### Union apprenticeships

IBEW Local 474 covers electricians in Memphis. Plumbers and pipefitters (Local 17) serve the area. You work full time, earn a paycheck, and attend classes — no tuition. Takes 4–5 years to reach full pay with regular raises.

Paid from day oneNo tuitionApply once or twice a year

 Option 3

### Private trade schools

Faster programs with rolling start dates: CDL in a month, welding or HVAC in under a year, medical assisting in about nine months. Cost more than Southwest TN but often include job placement help. Ask for accreditation and placement numbers before you sign.

FastestStart any monthAsk about cost in writing

## What Tennessee will help pay

### Tennessee money for training

Tennessee Reconnect Grant
For adults who have been out of high school for at least two years (or who have no degree and are 25+). Covers last-dollar tuition and fees at Tennessee community colleges — after other aid, it picks up whatever is left. Can make community college free. Apply through the school's financial aid office.

Tennessee Promise (TN Promise)
For recent Tennessee high school graduates. Covers last-dollar tuition and fees at community colleges and technical colleges. Requires mentoring and community service in high school. Ask your high school counselor if you qualified.

WIOA (Memphis American Job Center)
Free training through the Memphis American Job Center for adults who meet income or job-loss guidelines. Covers community college or trade school. Ask about it before you enroll anywhere.

Pell Grant
Federal. Up to about $7,400 a year, based on income. Fill out the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. Free.

GI Bill
Covers Southwest TN, most trade schools, CDL school, and apprenticeships for veterans.

Sources: Tennessee Higher Education Commission (Reconnect, TN Promise); Memphis American Job Center; Federal Student Aid. Rules and amounts change; confirm with the school's financial aid office.

Put those together and many Memphis adults can attend Southwest Tennessee Community College for free through the Reconnect Grant. Private schools take Pell, GI Bill, and WIOA but not Reconnect or TN Promise.

## FedEx and logistics

**FedEx's global hub at Memphis International Airport is the largest cargo airport in the world by volume.** That creates massive demand for CDL drivers, diesel mechanics, warehouse technicians, and logistics workers. Many FedEx and carrier roles offer paid training if you commit to driving for them — something worth comparing with school costs.

## Questions from Memphis

### How does the Tennessee Reconnect Grant work?

It's a last-dollar grant — it covers tuition and fees at Tennessee community colleges after other aid (Pell, scholarships) has been applied. You must have been out of high school for at least two years or be at least 25 with no degree. Apply through Southwest TN's financial aid office. It can make community college completely free.

### Can I get CDL training paid for by FedEx?

FedEx and many of its contractors offer paid CDL training if you commit to driving for them. It's worth comparing that with going to a CDL school on your own. Some carriers also pay for your CDL test and endorsement fees if you pass. Ask recruiters about their training programs.

### Is Memphis a good place for welding jobs?

Yes — manufacturing, construction, and logistics all need welders in Memphis. The industrial base along the Mississippi River (barge loading, warehouses, manufacturing plants) creates steady demand. Welders with structural certifications tend to do best in this market.

### I don't have a high school diploma. Where can I start in Memphis?

Southwest Tennessee Community College offers free GED prep and adult education programs. The Memphis American Job Center also has GED services. Some trade schools let you start training while working toward your GED. Pick "Some high school" on the form and we'll include those options.

## Nearby

- [Nashville](https://careerdirecting.com/#near-h2)
- [Jackson, TN](https://careerdirecting.com/#near-h2)
- [Little Rock](https://careerdirecting.com/#near-h2)
- [Tupelo](https://careerdirecting.com/#near-h2)
- [All Tennessee cities](https://careerdirecting.com/#near-h2)

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